Edward David Bocock, 78, of South Haven, passed away peacefully Sunday, July 16, 2017 at home in the presence and love of his family.

Edward was born October 26, 1938 in Basset, Virginia to Henry and Bessie (Ratcliffe) Bocock. After graduating from Union College, Edward married Joyce Peacock on June 15, 1963. Edward and Joyce moved to South Haven, Michigan where they began their careers in Education and had three children together. Edward and Joyce are faithful Christians and have been members of the First Baptist Church in South Haven for 51 years.

Edward gave 32 years of service to South Haven Public Schools as a 6th Grade teacher for 3 years, then continued on to become an administrator in various positions. He retired in June of 1994 as Assistant Superintendent, Director of Instruction and Personnel.

Another passion of Edward’s was agricultural. His journey to begin the New Day Blueberry Farms and Bumbleberry Acres began in 1978. The farms continue to be an important passion of his family’s life. His wisdom, perseverance, passion, and love will be greatly missed by many. Above all, he was a loving husband, father and papa.

He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings – James Bocock, Nora O’Dell, Leon Bocock, Christine Richardson and Pauline Kendrick.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce Bocock, and his three children – Brian (Beth) Bocock and children Anna, Gabriel, Abigail, Samantha and Caroline - Camille (Robert) Tate and children Lisa, Zacharius, Isaac, Micah and Perisos, all of South Haven – Carrie (Christopher) McGuire and children Ronnie, Kevin, Catarina, Alyza and Max of Edwardsburg. Siblings – Margaret Spencer, Cleo Bell, Richard Bocock, Robbie Jean Eychaner and Delphine Rakes all of Virginia.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, July 18 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and again Wednesday, July 19 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the First Baptist Church. Funeral services will follow the visitation at 11:00 AM at the First Baptist Church in South Haven with Pastor Jerry Koller officiating. Edward will be laid to rest at Lakeview Cemetery in South Haven. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Edward’s memory to the First Baptist Church’s Building Fund, 10781, 76th St. South Haven, MI 49090 or to The Edward Bocock Scholarship Fund for future educators or agricultural students in care of South Haven Public Schools, 554 Green St. South Haven, MI 49090. Kindly share your thoughts and memories on the family’s online guestbook at www.FilbrandtFFH.com.

The family is being helped by the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home of South Haven, 637-0333.

Charitable donations may be made to:

Ed Bocock Scholarship

First Baptist Church Building Fund10781 76th Street, South Haven MI 49090